Best used midsize SUVs, ranked by owner data

We ranked 22 used midsize SUVs sold in the US and Canada in the last five years against each other on three measured things: problems reported by owners, the used asking price, and EPA combined fuel economy.

Data from October 2026. Sources: owner reports, Auto.dev US listings, EPA ratings. How we rank · Best midsize SUVs

Mazda CX-9

Photo: TuRbO_J from Adelaide, Australia / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

#1 of 22

Mazda CX-9

Score 88 out of 100

  • Owner reliability (43 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 1 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 95% of this list
  • Price (30 of 30 points): median used asking price $21,115 (45 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): the lowest of the cars no longer sold new (this one until 2023)
  • Fuel economy (15 of 25 points): 23 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 61% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
Used price
$18k–$25k (median $21,115)
Fuel economy
23 mpg
Owner reports
1 very frequent problem and 1 recurring in owner reports
Main owner complaint
Cylinder head cracking / coolant leak in 2.5T engine
Best recent year
2022
Years to avoid
2018

Best for

  • Most reliable by owners

    Ford Edge

    Owner reports list only isolated problems. Ranked #2.

  • Lowest used price, still sold new

    Nissan Murano

    Median used asking price $19,675. Ranked #4.

  • Best fuel economy

    Toyota Venza

    39 mpg combined (EPA). Ranked #6.

The full ranking

  1. #1

    Mazda CX-9

    Score 88
    Used price
    $18k–$25k (median $21,115)
    Fuel economy
    23 mpg
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 1 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Cylinder head cracking / coolant leak in 2.5T engine
    Best recent year
    2022
    Years to avoid
    2018
    Why #1
    • Owner reliability (43 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 1 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 95% of this list
    • Price (30 of 30 points): median used asking price $21,115 (45 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): the lowest of the cars no longer sold new (this one until 2023)
    • Fuel economy (15 of 25 points): 23 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 61% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  2. #2

    Ford Edge

    Score 75
    Used price
    $17k–$25k (median $21,215)
    Fuel economy
    23 mpg
    Owner reports
    Owner reports list only isolated problems
    Best recent year
    2023
    Why #2
    • Owner reliability (45 of 45 points): Owner reports list only isolated problems: the fewest on this list
    • Price (15 of 30 points): median used asking price $21,215 (43 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 50% of the cars no longer sold new (this one until 2024)
    • Fuel economy (15 of 25 points): 23 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 61% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  3. #3

    Ford Explorer

    Score 69
    Used price
    $16k–$27k (median $20,767)
    Fuel economy
    20 mpg
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 2 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Transmission reliability problems
    Best recent year
    2019
    Years to avoid
    2016, 2017, 2020
    Why #3
    • Owner reliability (39 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 2 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 86% of this list
    • Price (26 of 30 points): median used asking price $20,767 (41 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 87% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (4 of 25 points): 20 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 16% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  4. #4

    Nissan Murano

    Score 68
    Used price
    $14k–$24k (median $19,675)
    Fuel economy
    23 mpg
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 4 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) failure
    Best recent year
    2021
    Why #4
    • Owner reliability (23 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 52% of this list
    • Price (30 of 30 points): median used asking price $19,675 (46 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): the lowest of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (15 of 25 points): 23 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 61% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  5. #5

    Chevrolet Blazer

    Score 65
    Used price
    $22k–$27k (median $24,649)
    Fuel economy
    23 mpg
    Owner reports
    5 recurring problems in owner reports, none very frequent
    Main owner complaint
    Thermostat failure
    Best recent year
    2022
    Why #5
    • Owner reliability (32 of 45 points): 5 recurring problems in owner reports, none very frequent: fewer than about 71% of this list
    • Price (18 of 30 points): median used asking price $24,649 (48 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 60% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (15 of 25 points): 23 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 61% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  6. #6

    Toyota Venza

    Score 64
    Used price
    $24k–$33k (median $28,683)
    Fuel economy
    39 mpg
    Owner reports
    4 recurring problems in owner reports, none very frequent
    Main owner complaint
    Panoramic sunroof leaks
    Best recent year
    2022
    Years to avoid
    2021
    Why #6
    • Owner reliability (39 of 45 points): 4 recurring problems in owner reports, none very frequent: fewer than about 86% of this list
    • Price (0 of 30 points): median used asking price $28,683 (49 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 0% of the cars no longer sold new (this one until 2024)
    • Fuel economy (25 of 25 points): 39 mpg combined (EPA): the best gas or hybrid on this list
  7. #7

    Subaru Outback

    Score 55
    Used price
    $17k–$26k (median $20,499)
    Fuel economy
    24 mpg
    Owner reports
    2 very frequent problems and 5 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Infotainment system failures (6th gen
    Years to avoid
    2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022
    Why #7
    • Owner reliability (5 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 5 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 12% of this list
    • Price (28 of 30 points): median used asking price $20,499 (44 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 93% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (22 of 25 points): 24 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 87% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  8. #8

    Kia Sorento

    Score 51
    Used price
    $15k–$29k (median $21,198)
    Fuel economy
    24 mpg
    Owner reports
    4 very frequent problems and 1 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Transmission failures
    Best recent year
    2021
    Years to avoid
    2016, 2017
    Why #8
    • Owner reliability (5 of 45 points): 4 very frequent problems and 1 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 12% of this list
    • Price (24 of 30 points): median used asking price $21,198 (47 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 80% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (22 of 25 points): 24 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 87% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  9. #9

    Toyota Highlander

    Score 45
    Used price
    No data yet
    Fuel economy
    24 mpg
    Owner reports
    2 very frequent problems and 2 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    8-speed automatic transmission failures (whining, complete failure)
    Best recent year
    2016
    Years to avoid
    2021
    Why #9
    • Owner reliability (23 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 2 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 52% of this list
    • Price (0 of 30 points): No data yet (no used listing prices)
    • Fuel economy (22 of 25 points): 24 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 87% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  10. #10

    Subaru Ascent

    Score 44
    Used price
    $19k–$29k (median $23,458)
    Fuel economy
    22 mpg
    Owner reports
    2 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    CVT transmission reliability
    Best recent year
    2022
    Years to avoid
    2019, 2020
    Why #10
    • Owner reliability (13 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 29% of this list
    • Price (22 of 30 points): median used asking price $23,458 (49 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 73% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (9 of 25 points): 22 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 37% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  11. #11

    Volkswagen Atlas

    Score 43
    Used price
    $20k–$32k (median $25,697)
    Fuel economy
    24 mpg
    Owner reports
    2 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Severe infotainment/software glitches
    Years to avoid
    2021
    Why #11
    • Owner reliability (13 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 29% of this list
    • Price (8 of 30 points): median used asking price $25,697 (50 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 27% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (22 of 25 points): 24 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 87% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  12. #12

    Hyundai Palisade

    Score 42
    Used price
    $21k–$35k (median $29,160)
    Fuel economy
    20 mpg
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Excessive engine oil consumption (primarily 2020-2021 models)
    Best recent year
    2022
    Why #12
    • Owner reliability (32 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 71% of this list
    • Price (6 of 30 points): median used asking price $29,160 (47 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 20% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (4 of 25 points): 20 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 16% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  13. #13

    Honda Pilot

    Score 42
    Used price
    $18k–$30k (median $24,969)
    Fuel economy
    21 mpg
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 4 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Timing belt maintenance
    Best recent year
    2022
    Years to avoid
    2016, 2019
    Why #13
    • Owner reliability (23 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 52% of this list
    • Price (12 of 30 points): median used asking price $24,969 (45 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 40% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (7 of 25 points): 21 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 26% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  14. #14

    Ford Bronco

    Score 40
    Used price
    $34k–$45k (median $37,495)
    Fuel economy
    19 mpg
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 2 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    General build-quality and reliability inconsistency, especially on 2021-2022 models
    Why #14
    • Owner reliability (39 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 2 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 86% of this list
    • Price (0 of 30 points): median used asking price $37,495 (47 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 0% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (1 of 25 points): 19 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 5% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  15. #15

    Jeep Grand Cherokee

    Score 38
    Used price
    $19k–$29k (median $24,900)
    Fuel economy
    22 mpg
    Owner reports
    2 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Poor long-term reliability / high repair frequency
    Best recent year
    2016
    Years to avoid
    2018
    Why #15
    • Owner reliability (13 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 29% of this list
    • Price (16 of 30 points): median used asking price $24,900 (42 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 53% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (9 of 25 points): 22 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 37% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  16. #16

    Hyundai Santa Fe

    Score 37
    Used price
    $19k–$29k (median $24,488)
    Fuel economy
    23 mpg
    Owner reports
    3 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Catastrophic Engine Failure (Theta II and related GDI engines, ~2013-2019)
    Years to avoid
    2017
    Why #16
    • Owner reliability (2 of 45 points): 3 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 5% of this list
    • Price (20 of 30 points): median used asking price $24,488 (46 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 67% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (15 of 25 points): 23 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 61% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  17. #17

    Toyota 4Runner

    Score 34
    Used price
    $27k–$41k (median $34,389)
    Fuel economy
    22 mpg
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 4 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Excessive frame rust
    Best recent year
    2020
    Why #17
    • Owner reliability (23 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 52% of this list
    • Price (2 of 30 points): median used asking price $34,389 (44 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 7% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (9 of 25 points): 22 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 37% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  18. #18

    Kia EV9

    Score 32
    Used price
    No data yet
    Fuel economy
    84 MPGe
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 3 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit) failure
    Why #18
    • Owner reliability (32 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 71% of this list
    • Price (0 of 30 points): No data yet (no used listing prices)
    • Fuel economy (0 of 25 points): No data yet (too few EVs to compare)
  19. #19

    Dodge Durango

    Score 27
    Used price
    $17k–$32k (median $24,902)
    Fuel economy
    17 mpg
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 5 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    LED headlight/DRL failure
    Years to avoid
    2021
    Why #19
    • Owner reliability (13 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 5 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 29% of this list
    • Price (14 of 30 points): median used asking price $24,902 (46 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 47% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (0 of 25 points): 17 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 0% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  20. #20

    Nissan Pathfinder

    Score 25
    Used price
    $17k–$29k (median $24,973)
    Fuel economy
    23 mpg
    Owner reports
    4 very frequent problems and 5 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Electrical & Sensor Malfunctions
    Best recent year
    2020
    Years to avoid
    2017, 2022, 2023
    Why #20
    • Owner reliability (0 of 45 points): 4 very frequent problems and 5 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 0% of this list
    • Price (10 of 30 points): median used asking price $24,973 (46 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 33% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (15 of 25 points): 23 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 61% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
  21. #21

    Chevrolet Blazer EV

    Score 23
    Used price
    No data yet
    Fuel economy
    95 MPGe
    Owner reports
    1 very frequent problem and 4 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Severe software and electronic failures
    Why #21
    • Owner reliability (23 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 52% of this list
    • Price (0 of 30 points): No data yet (no used listing prices)
    • Fuel economy (0 of 25 points): No data yet (too few EVs to compare)
  22. #22

    Kia Telluride

    Score 21
    Used price
    $26k–$35k (median $31,500)
    Fuel economy
    20 mpg
    Owner reports
    3 very frequent problems and 1 recurring in owner reports
    Main owner complaint
    Underpowered 3.8L V6 engine
    Best recent year
    2023
    Why #22
    • Owner reliability (13 of 45 points): 3 very frequent problems and 1 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 29% of this list
    • Price (4 of 30 points): median used asking price $31,500 (48 US listings, all model years, Auto.dev): lower than about 13% of the cars still sold new
    • Fuel economy (4 of 25 points): 20 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 16% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list

How we rank

  • Owner reliability, 45 points. Problems that owners report again and again, from our owner reports. A very frequent problem counts twice. Fewer problems than the other cars on this page earns more points.
  • Used price, 30 points. The median asking price in US listings (Auto.dev), all model years together. Cheaper than the others earns more.
  • Fuel economy, 25 points. EPA combined rating. Electric cars are compared only with other electric cars, in MPGe.
  • No guesses. A car needs enough owner reports and three years on sale to be ranked. A number we don't have earns 0 points and says "No data yet". We never compare NHTSA complaint counts between models, because they grow with the number of cars sold.

Questions

What is the best used midsize SUV?
The Mazda CX-9 ranks #1 of 22 with a score of 88 out of 100. 1 very frequent problem and 1 recurring in owner reports, and its used price is $21,115 at the median.
Which midsize SUV has the fewest owner-reported problems?
The Ford Edge: owner reports list only isolated problems.
Which midsize SUV still sold new is the cheapest to buy used?
The Nissan Murano, with a median used asking price $19,675, based on US listings.
How does CarWizz rank midsize SUVs?
Each car is compared only with the other cars on this page. Owner reliability is worth 45 points, used price 30 points and EPA combined fuel economy 25 points. A car without enough owner reports is not ranked, and a missing number earns no points.

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